Households looking to keep their next washing machine for years
You want to check the durability rating, maintenance options and parts available for the model before making a decision. However, a rating doesn’t promise a specific lifespan.
Who is this guide for?
Households weighing up whether to repair or replace
Your current washing machine has broken down. A repair quote will help you assess the proposed work before you choose another appliance. Also check whether the breakdown is still covered by a warranty.
Households keeping an eye on energy and water use and maintenance
You want to compare the water and electricity used by a programme that suits your laundry, without overlooking routine tasks such as accessing the filter. Que Choisir notes that filter access is one of the maintenance aspects that received more mixed feedback from the users surveyed.
What should you check before choosing?
If your current washing machine has broken down, first consider whether it can be repaired. If you’re replacing it, compare appliances suited to the same laundry needs, then look separately at their durability, energy and water use, and maintenance requirements.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Documented durability | Compare the durability rating out of 10 for similar models, then check the criteria behind the rating for the model you’ve chosen. According to France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, the durability index has been gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines in France since 8 April 2025. | If I’m replacing my appliance because I want to keep it for years, I want to understand what the rating covers rather than see it as a promise of longevity; around 40% of consumers are said to put documented durability first. |
| Energy and water use | Compare water and electricity consumption for programmes and load sizes that match your needs; also check how long the cycles take. | When I do laundry frequently, I want to know how much energy and water my usual programmes use without losing sight of how long they take; this is said to be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and repair | Check how easy it is to access the filter and look for parts compatible with the exact model number. If you’re considering keeping your current appliance, ask for a repair quote. | I’d rather be able to maintain my washing machine and know who to turn to if it breaks down; around 30% of consumers are said to make this their main concern. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
Two washing machines suited to the same laundry load can differ in their energy and water use, programme length, maintenance requirements and repair options. In its tests, Que Choisir assesses factors including washing, rinsing, spinning, programme length and consumption.
Once you’ve worked out the capacity you need, compare these factors along with the durability ratings of the models you’re considering.
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Assuming a parts catalogue guarantees every future repair
A catalogue lists the parts on offer, but it doesn’t guarantee that every part will remain available for every model or that a repair will be possible.
Make a note of your exact washing machine model number and check the relevant parts and repair options for that model.
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Ruling out a repair without getting a quote
The decision depends on the fault, the part involved and the overall condition of the washing machine; there’s no one rule that applies to every appliance.
First check whether the appliance is covered by a warranty, then ask for an itemised quote if you’re considering a repair.
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Confusing a durability claim with a warranty
A durability rating alone doesn’t explain what happens if the appliance breaks down. The legal guarantee of conformity and any commercial warranty are separate.
Read the terms of each warranty and keep the receipt and appliance model number.
Brands to consider for parts and maintenance
Bosch
Bosch’s catalogue lets you search for washing machine parts using the E-Nr model number.
- Searching by model number helps you find the parts listed for a specific model.
- Bosch says washing machine parts are generally available for 15 years. Check the terms and the parts that apply to your model number.
Miele
Miele France offers a washing machine parts catalogue that you can search by model number.
- The catalogue lets you search for parts including those related to draining.
- A part appearing in the catalogue doesn’t guarantee that it will remain available for every model in the future.
AEG
AEG has a shop for parts and accessories for its washing machines.
- Searching for genuine parts can help you explore the maintenance options for a particular model.
- Having a parts category doesn’t guarantee that every item is available or that all AEG models can be repaired under the same conditions.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
How do you read a washing machine’s durability rating?
Compare its rating out of 10 with those of washing machines that meet the same needs, then check the criteria behind the rating rather than relying on the colour alone. According to France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, the criteria include spare parts, maintenance, dismantling and wear resistance; the rating doesn’t predict how long your appliance will last.
Is the durability index replacing the repairability index in France?
Yes. According to France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, it has been gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines since 8 April 2025. The durability index includes reliability criteria as well as those relating to repairability.
When should you ask for a repair quote before replacing a washing machine?
Ask for a quote if the fault looks like it might be repairable, after checking whether the appliance is still covered by a warranty. The diagnosis, the part involved and the machine’s overall condition will help you compare repair with replacement; no type of fault alone is enough to make the decision.
Do you need a commercial warranty to keep your washing machine for years?
No, it isn’t a prerequisite for keeping your appliance. For goods sold by a business to an individual in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies independently of any commercial warranty, as France’s Ministry of the Economy points out. Read the coverage, exclusions and terms of any commercial warranty separately.